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Linda N. Spencer
Lead Content Strategist & Copywriter

About Linda N.

Storyteller for Sustainability & Social Impact

Linda N. Spencer is a storyteller, author, and advocate for a better world. At Sneakers4Good she brings her love of storytelling and strategy to show how reusing sneakers can drive big change.

With years of experience helping organizations find new ways to make an impact, Linda has seen firsthand how communities thrive when purpose and sustainability come together. In her sustainability research and writing for Sneakers4Good she gives organizations the tools to turn small actions into lasting impact.

Linda believes the reuse economy isn’t just about keeping millions of sneakers out of landfills—it’s about creating opportunity, reducing waste and showing every step can make a difference. Through her writing and creative campaigns, she connects people to stories of resilience, community and global good.

For Linda sustainability is personal. It’s about making today’s choices better for tomorrow—for organizations, the planet we all share and global communities.

Linda N.'s latest articles

Road Races
A male trail runner runs along a snow-covered mountain trail with glaciers and distant snowy peaks in the background.

How Long Do Running Shoes Last? Mileage & Lifespan Breakdown

Every runner has that moment when they pick up their favorite running shoes and think of a pre-dawn run, a weekend run, and maybe even a marathon. They put them on, and the sneakers still feel fine, or at least good enough. But the fact is that midsole foam breaks down before the outsole starts... READ MORE
Training
A female runner up at sunrise, stretching before training for a marathon.

How Long Does It Take to Train for a Marathon?

There’s that moment when you hit the “confirm” button for a marathon, and you feel that rush of excitement. And then a few beats later, if it’s your first time, especially, you wonder, how long does it take to train for a marathon, really? What does it take to run 26.2 miles? The honest answer... READ MORE
Training
A man on a rowing machine which is excellent cross training for runners.

The Greatest Cross Training for Runners Plan

When you think about it, the practicality of running is simple. You lace up, and you go. But if you want to remain healthy, perform better, and improve your running, it takes a bit more than that. A critical element involves cross training for runners. Why? Cross training exercises strengthen muscles, improve endurance, and help... READ MORE
Training
A person crouched down and tying their running shoes on a trail.

The 10 Best Running Shoes with Ankle Support

If you’ve ever rolled your ankle on a trail, dealt with instability during speedwork, or felt lingering soreness after long runs, then you know how important the right shoes can be. While no shoe can completely prevent injuries, choosing running shoes with ankle support can significantly improve stability, comfort, and confidence—especially if you’re prone to... READ MORE
Giving Back
Abstract blurred sustainable sneaker display on store shelves showing rows of athletic shoes in a retail shop environment.

Sustainable Sneaker Truth: Why Reuse Beats Recycling

Imagine, as has happened with our partners, a quiet morning at a running store and a customer dropping off gently worn sneakers. The athletic shoes were headed for the trash, but instead they’re a sustainable sneaker pair on their way to something much more powerful: a second life. Since 2018, Ultimate Fit Shoes & Fitness... READ MORE
Giving Back
A woman places a pair of clean, used sneakers in a donation box.

Where to Donate Sneakers in 2026

Perhaps you’ve had a pair of sneakers and wondered, as you put them in the trash, whether you should. Short answer: No. But we know. The next thought you may have had is, where can you even dispose of them? Let’s face it; you’re not looking to make what to do with your gently worn... READ MORE
Sustainability
A man running along a trail in a forest.

How Running Trail Shoes and Runners Lead Sustainably

It’s a reality of trail running that these athletes experience nature differently than others. For each run, they gear up in their favorite running trail shoes and move through forests, deserts, or ridgelines. And with every step they take, they’re leaving an impression on nature. In other words, they come to appreciate that nature is... READ MORE
Road Races
Boston Marathon runners pass police near Hereford Street, capturing the energy of one of the best marathons in the US.

20 Best Marathons in the US According to Runners and Experts

Few experiences are as electric to runners as a great road races. The cheer of the crowd, the iconic backdrops and scenes, and the moment when grit crosses the finish line are unforgettable. So, if you’re looking for a world-class challenge, your next road race, this list of the best marathons in the US is... READ MORE
Sustainability
A male runner on a sunlit park road highlighting the simple things that inspire running through life and support a sustainable, active lifestyle.

Simple Things: How One Runner Turns Miles Into Impact

Some big breakthroughs in life happen through significant milestones, such as getting your first job, place, getting married, or having your first child. But if you spend time with runners, you realize that a lot of progress also happens with the simple things, such as miles. Every mile run is an achievement, which can eventually... READ MORE
Sustainability
Conceptual image of a footprint in a leaf symbolizing love for nature and concern for CO2 emissions.

How to Shrink Your Running Shoe CO2 Emissions and Footprint

When you’re running during a perfect fall day or crushing your miles for the week, you may not consider CO2 emissions. But did you know that your favorite running shoes have a hidden cost? Unfortunately, it’s true. The CO2 emissions have an environmental and life impact when they end up in landfills. CO2 emissions refer... READ MORE
Sustainability

How the Reuse Economy Transforms Our Lives

The following are some facts about the planet and waste. As you likely know, at present, about 8.2 billion people are living on Earth. But did you know that one of the biggest contributors to waste is the fashion industry? It creates 100 to 150 billion articles of clothing for 8.2 billion people. If you... READ MORE
Run Specialty
Are you wondering how to increase sales this summer? Think sneaker drives, stretch sessions, and sustainability. Turn slow months to hot wins.

How to Increase Sales: Heatwaves, Handshakes & Sustainablility

The long summer months are fantastic for barbeques and spending time with friends and family. However, for running retail stores can be slow. So, if you want to know how to increase sales, you came to the right place. Our answer is to focus on sustainability, community, and creative in-store events. You don’t have to... READ MORE

SMART. SIMPLE. SUSTAINABLE.​

When you partner with Sneakers4Good, not only are you being social responsible and helping to keep sneakers out of landfills, but you provide innovative opportunities to families in developing countries all over the world through micro-enterprise.

SEE THE IMPACT

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